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CAMDEN, N.J. – ӣ����Ƶ Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (HMFA) Executive Director Anthony L. Marchetta today joined Camden Mayor Dana Redd to announce the launch of Phase IV of the Camden Home Improvement Program (CHIP).  The announcement took place at City Hall in Camden. The HMFA, an affiliate of the ӣ����Ƶ Department of Community Affairs (DCA), will act as the funding administrator.

“The Camden Home Improvement Program has had a tremendous impact on enhancing the quality of life of homeowners participating in the program,” said DCA Acting Commissioner Richard E. Constable, III. “Earlier phases of the program have helped hard working Camden residents make essential repairs to electrical, gas and plumbing systems, as well as improve their home’s energy efficiency and exterior. There is no doubt that Phase IV will be just as successful.”

The citywide program provides low and moderate-income Camden homeowners who earn below 80 percent of the area median income with up to $20,000 in forgivable loans to make essential life safety home improvements. The highest priority renovations include repairs to fire exits and electrical, gas and plumbing systems. Loans may also be used on improvements required for occupancy, such as water, sewer and heating, as well as weatherization repairs and exterior aesthetics.

“There is a vibrant rebuilding effort going on in Camden that is been long talked about. Yet with all the economic development occurring, it will all be in vain if we do not assist our residents as we transform our communities,” said Mayor Redd. “That is why the DCA and HMFA’s announcement of new funding for CHIP is welcomed news. I truly thank them for their continued support to assist and move Camden forward.”

The program began in 2006 with the support of Camden Churches Organized for People (CCOP), Concerned Black Clergy, the Camden Community Development Association (CCDA), and other community-based organizations. Funding came from the Economic Recovery Board for Camden, DCA, and City of Camden.

“The HMFA is proud to participate in this worthwhile program,” said HMFA Executive Director Marchetta. “CHIP provides an opportunity to Camden homeowners’ to make a real difference in their lives and in their neighborhoods by providing them with the opportunity to make much needed repairs on their homes that they otherwise would not be able to afford.”

The ӣ����Ƶ Economic Development Authority (EDA) through their State Economic Recovery Board for Camden will provide $3.5 million for Phase IV of the CHIP program. These funds are projected to provide approximately 140 homeowners the opportunity to make much needed life safety home improvements. Phases I, II, and III were successfully managed by Cooper’s Ferry Partnership with work already completed on close to 300 homes throughout the City of Camden.

In fall of 2011, HMFA issued a request for qualifications for a Program Administrator for Phase IV of the CHIP program. Saint Joseph’s Carpenter Society was awarded the contract of Program Administrator and such duties will include intake; screening of eligible applicants; scope of work and budget development; and screening and overseeing subcontractors.

Applications are now available to Camden residents interested in the program. Applicants can contact St. Joseph’s Carpenter Society at (856) 966-8117 or visiting them at 20 Church Street, Camden, NJ 08105. Part one of the application process is on a first come, first serve basis.

For more information on HMFA programs, please call 1-800-NJHOUSE or 609-278-7400, or log on to .